Rugby League
For Noosa Pirates, it was a weekend of mixed results. Regarding the Reserve grade and the u/19, they were unable to field teams for their games: this resulted in both teams having to forfeit. For the Women’s team the weekend was a bye.
However, for the A grade it was a totally different story. With Maroochydore being the host club, the Noosa Pirates came home the victors 26 -18: and head coach Mick Duff is in a very positive frame of mind.
“The trip to Maroochydore on Sunday was very pleasing, with the winner taking outright 3rd place on the competition ladder. Also, we were missing injured players George Fisher, Lockie Delbridge and Harry Dwyer being called into the Falcon 21s. We were bolstered by the return of Rohan Messer, Campbell Duffy, Cameron Hanson and Rajan “RJ” Optima- Halls from representing Asia against South Africa.
Our opening five minutes were spot on hitting our points and coming up with the first points of the game, by team captain Dan Moveao crossing the line from a nice set piece. Unfortunately, an error from the kick off saw us hand over possession to the Swans on our goal line where they levelled the score at 6 all. We were able to strike back soon after with winger Roddy Mawn diving on a cross field kick to score in the corner taking us to 10-6.
The next 20 minutes were all Maroochydore as we struggled with field positions and giving away too many penalties: thus, seeing Maroochydore scoring twice more and going into half time leading us 18-10. We lost Mawn at half time as he was unable to return to the field, having succumbed to illness. Our seniors really stood up and delivered in the second half with outstanding defence, not allowing Maroochydore to score any points.
Off the back of some smart footy we crossed for three more tries: from centre Rohan Messer and lock forward Kayd North. The final nail in the Swans coffin, was a powerhouse game from front rower Compel Duffy who carried a number of defenders with him across the line. Fullback Cameron Hansen kicked the final goal for us to win 26 – 18.
I was extremely pleased with the strong performance from Chris Williams and backrower Vince Law: their defence and endless hit ups, laid the platform for us in the second half. Bench forwards BJ Richardson was strong against his former club and young Mitch Bennington, making his A grade debut, did not look out of place on the field. Replacement dummy half Will Cousens really lifted the energy when he replaced his brother Dylan, who was dynamic around the rucks.
Having secured 3rd place on the ladder with the chance of hosting a home semi- final, is now well and truly in reach. The excitement amongst the playing group is at an all- time high.” In summary tries were scored by Dan Moveao, Roddy Mawn, Rohan Messer, Kady North and Kayd North. Goals, Cameron Hanson kicked three.
With the finals fast approaching, Pirates are certainly showing some good points. To fight back from being 18-10 down at half time and also losing Roddy Man, plus the performance in defence of their forward pack it is no wonder that morale is at an all- time high.
Next Sunday we host Coolum at home at 3pm. Reserve grade and Women’s will be taking on Gympie, which is a must win for both of them to make the finals. Our U19s will have a bye.
Weightlifting.
From the Noosa Barbell Weightlifting club coach Woogie Marsh, comes the word that the youth members of the club are preparing for the start of their season. This they are doing by finalising their build up for the Queensland State Titles on the weekend 26-27 August. The club will send four athletes, Cooper Ward, Case Down, Jack Lafferty and Kaiya Marsh.
Our medal winning lifter from the Youth Commonwealth Championships in India Taj Marsh is now back in training after a week’s break. He is preparing for his next big challenge, the Oceanic championships to be held in Apia, Samoa. He said: “Back in hell working hard for the next step in his journey to the World Championships in Mexico November this year”.
The clubs Masters are also back training and building towards the Bush Turkey Cup. This will be held in the outback town of Miles in early December when the club is going on a road trip to compete in the outback of Australia. The reason for this is to promote the sport of weightlifting in the remote regions of Australia. A great gesture by a great club. We wish them well.
Outrigger Canoe Club
Earlier this year it was reported that the Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club, was donating two of their canoes to the Solomon Islands. After multiple cancellations of RAAF flights and lots of challenging logistics, the donated canoes have arrived in the Solomon Islands via RAAF C130. They are now based at the new Pacific Games Water Sports Shed (DC Park) near the airport in Honiara.
The canoes were donated to the Solomon Is paddling family. They will be used to help train the local teams for the upcoming Pacific Games in November: and be used also to help start the first Solomon Island Outrigger Club. This is situated at DC Park, and will be under the guidance of the Solomon Island National Sports.
It is interesting to note the increase in the various sports in remote South Pacific Island regions. During my sojourn in the Bougainville Islands, still referred to by hundreds of the local population, as the Solomon Islands group, sport was definitely on the move.
It was nothing for young athletes from the Solomon Is group, to obtain work in the Bougainville Is Copper Mines just so they could join either join a local Rugby League or Australian Rules Football club. During the off season many would then become members of one of the two amateur boxing clubs situated on the island.
During my time, we had several visits from amateur boxing clubs, including Honiara and Rabaul. Now the Impact Boxing and Fitness Club Cooroy, has also visited Island clubs. Happy to say that various football codes have now well and truly taken hold.
If there is anything that will serve to bring peoples of a different colour or creed together as one, it’s sport. Our two clubs of weightlifting and canoeing are to be commended.
